Ralph Sampson: The BIGGEST What If in NBA History | FPP

[@marioaustin9312]

The original wemby

[@Bighjr88]

Say it again,I tell younger people that 👊🏽

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

Sampson & Kareem

[@1017squirrel]

U right!!! 😎

[@vatoloco6738]

Couldn’t shoot 3s tho….

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

@@vatoloco6738 could. Different era tho he’d be benched

[@buckeyelax9567]

He was fantastic. He hurt his back in the Lakers series and was never the same afterwards. It led to knee problems. He had to re-learn how to run. What a shame

[@blakebrown84]

Ralph Sampson was a dominant college player figure before being drafted 1st overall by the Houston Rockets in 1983. He was the tallest player on the court with his 7 foot 4 frame at center/power forward position. He used his height to his advantage before the injuries took a toll on his body. At least, he made the Basketball Hall of Fame

[@chatter7653]

I distinctly remember the incredible build-up and anticipation when in college he met Georgetown and Patrick Ewing

[@Redwood65]

Hell yeah. I loved that. Good call.

[@missayawk]

That Sports Illustrated cover.

[@OnsSmall]

That's the thing a lot of new age guys who consider Ralph a "bust" in the NBA don't realize....in his short prime, that was only about 5 years, he was a 4X All Star and ASG MVP with a Finals appearance -in the 80's era at the height of Lakers/Celtics dominance. That was the perceived ceiling for Ralph coming into the league....he was widely thought to have the potential to be the greatest center of all time...... because if 4 AS appearances, a Finals appearance and an ASG MVP, all in 5 years, is considered a "bust?" Then his potential was ENORMOUS.

[@brianarbenz1329]

The problem for Ralph's image was the constant comparison to the expectations for what'd he would do. Sports media people, some of whom have a better instinct for jumping on bandwagons than evaluating players actual skills, loved to declare Ralph the next Wilt or Kareem. (And I worked as a sportswriter for years). Al McGuire during broadcasts used to say, "Ralph Sampson will dominate the NBA." In high school, there were reporters from all over the nation pouring into Harrisonburg for each home game. That rush of national attention did for Ralph what it had done for Tom McMillian, Rick Mount and Damon Bailey. A player can have a fine college and pro career, but never live up to the excessive hype.

[@popfeske3612]

And even though he had a short career he still was great enough to make the hall of fame

[@popfeske3612]

​@@brianarbenz1329he did live up to it though. He got hurt. That's only reason he didn't do more. He still made hall of fame, so pretty safe to say he lived up to expectations. Haha tom McMillan. His hair aged faster than his body.

[@brianarbenz1329]

@@popfeske3612 My point is that Ralph had a fine career, but the pre-existing comparisons to Wilt and Kareem make it seem as though he was a disappointment. Had Ralph gotten the level of coverage in HS that Scott Pippen or Calbert Chaney did, his NBA performance would be seen as great.

[@brianarbenz1329]

Whenever people say "The Twin Towers," I am quick to add that Rodney McCray, at 6-7, was a great rebounding force for the Rockets. At that height, he was overshadowed by the 7-foot-plus guys, but don't forget Rodney. It was two towers and a dynamo.

[@andresdelportillo9917]

Ralph was so good Hakeem was his Robin /role player

[@moneyman4740]

Not at all , neither were robin they were a duo that at that time were at the same level as far as talents , sampson was better offensively tho but Hakeem was better defensively and rebounding wise , both could do either at an elite level tho

[@Youralwayswhining4367]

Ralph was a fineness player like how wemby is now.

[@VICTOR-py7hn]

HALL OF FAMER 💥💥💥💥💥Ralph Sampson

[@jpmnky]

He’d thrive in today’s zero contact NBA. It’s that reason many believe Wembanyama will ball out. Especially as he puts on weight.

[@tonyb.1905]

Great player before injuries

[@unappealingundesirable2826]

17:00 I was born in Seattle in 1973, where I grew up. Sonics and Blazers fan. Japanese-American and male. From 1984-1989, I didn't pay attention to the NBA, which is fine, because it was Boston Boston Lakers Lakers EVERY year, championship hogs! I HATE the Lakers, Boston, Phoenix, and Utah. So, when I got back into the NBA in late 1989-90, I saw that Ralph Sampson played about 20 games, and barely played with Sacramento. I used to wonder, "Did Ralph have an actual major knee injury, or was it a buildup thing that got worse?" Someone told me that they were surprised that I didn't know about this injury at Boston. Now I know. Also, I am honestly amazed that he has some great dunks as a WARRIOR! I mean, he got traded from Houston, because he was already so damaged. You see a Sacramento highlight where he blocks Pat Ewing, but it's painfully clear that Sampson couldn't jump at ALL, by the time he was a King.

[@tobznoobs]

Sampson is the guy we don't want Wemby or Chet to turn into. Such a great young career from HS to the NBA finals ruined by injuries.

[@lordgodspeed1539]

Everything you say I agree with . It's sad it's just that guys at that height are so prone to more injuries, it's like any answers extra above 7 ft 2 are more prone to injuries and I almost guaranteed a short career look at Yao Ming 😮‍💨

[@goddycarino6747]

The way Wembenyama plays most probably he'll become like Sampson and those injuries, bc Wemby like to play point guard, forward center, if you are a center play like a center

[@kevinfrazier9173]

He was before his time

[@ShaunTheNavigator]

Kareem and Ralph Sampson would've been CRAZY...

[@joeldriver-sp2rg]

Sampson's NBA career was basically 7 years before injuries got him and that's what I'm afraid will happen with VW. The Spurs are taking all sorts of preventative measures to keep his feet and ankles strong and flexible but when you're that tall and lanky a game like basketball is really tough on you because of all the cutting, jumping and all sorts of maneuvers you make. Bill Walton is a great example of that. 7 footers have a long history of all sorts of health issues.

[@laviebanale]

History is NOT Wemby’s side. But w/ today’s sissy game who knows.

[@josephvitielo1693]

Walton and Sampson two could of been all time great and careers

[@jpang5477]

I would love to see a profile on the late Wayman Tisdale. RIP WT🙏

[@lucashenderson2775]

Speaking of music Rony Seikaly would also be a good one too. He had a solid if not spectacular career and has led a real interesting life after basketball as a DJ who's played clubs worldwide.

[@johnr.7906]

Yes he was great - shame he passed so young.

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

Biggest WHAT IF’s of the “golden era” 1. Len Bias (RIP) 2. Ralph Sampson (injury) 3. Reggie Lewis (RIP) 4. Penny Hardaway (injury) 5. Magic Johnson (injury/sick) 6. Larry Birds (injury) 7. Jordan to POR in 84’ draft 8. Benji Wilson (RIP) 9. Larry Johnson (injury) 10. Hank Gathers (RIP)

[@alexanderpopov4691]

G. Hill (injury) N. Galis (contract) - Boston in late 80s with Bias and Galis + allready aquired stars - probably the greatest dinasty to never happen.

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

@@alexanderpopov4691 IDK how I missed Galis, YOUNG Sabonis (Jokic with shot blocking and dunking) and Petrovic but they’re honorable mentions. Would’ve changed the decade.

[@alexanderpopov4691]

@@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154 Yes, I remember Sabonis very well, he was my very favourite European player in his prime. He was also very athletic on par with NBA players of that time before the damn injury.

[@jasonwolfe3252]

Danny Manning.

[@eb5857]

What if Kobe goes to Charlotte

[@richardyoon4209]

A couple things that were missed here. John Lucas left Houston in 1986 because of drug problems. Also another big reason why the 87 Rockets struggled was once again drug issues, as Lewis Lloyd and Mitchell Wiggins were banned from the NBA

[@Iamrxch3]

VA's finest!

[@OnsSmall]

Opposite ends of the state, but from a talent standpoint, Ralph and Allen are probably the best 1-2 combo any state has ever produced.

[@Doknot-tb9ey]

Thank you for doing a video about Ralph Sampson, he deserves it. It sucks that injuries ruined his career and deserves his props and to be talked about.

[@jpang5477]

Injuries is a mother F Ralph was Nice 💯

[@bigjunz2716]

Before Wemby u got Raph Sampson . Let that sink in

[@lonnellgrigsby1367]

This was my favorite one yet the best what if in NBA History I believe he stayed in College 2 years 2 long. Just think he was in the Dunk Contest in 83 moving around like a 6’6 Forward. He was definitely a power forward not a center for that era of Basketball

[@gogglegod33]

Ralph's story makes me worried for Wemby, knock on wood! Great video Bro, keep up the great work!

[@tyharris9994]

Really well done video!

[@TimFieldsMedia2]

Love your content bro. You think you could do one of Joe Johnson?

[@camiamproducer]

Yessir! But this what makes me weary about Wemby, players 7’3 or taller that’s been an All-Star or ALL-NBA, they never lasted longer than 9 seasons.

[@moneyman4740]

Wemby is way more mobile and agile than all these guys

[@camiamproducer]

@@moneyman4740 Sampson had the ability to take it all 94 ft too, but keep in mind the context. Wemby grew up watching KD, that’s what he applied to his game. And that really doesn’t matter, all the running, jumping, cutting, awkward falls can catch up to his frame

[@Riles3152]

A healthy Ralph Sampson for a decade would have most likely become an NBA champion and ARGUABLY the best Center in the league, or at least in the running with Ewing, Olujuwon and Robinson. Would be interested to see you do profile on Latrell Sprewell, Andrew Toney, Sam Jones, Jo Jo White and Gail Goodrich. Appreciate all the content thus far!

[@Master-Wanderer]

Very Interested!!! All great players!!!

[@2H2521]

Len Bias will always be the biggest what if no matter what.

[@richardyoon4209]

Bias would have been out of the league in 2-3 years with drug problems.

[@williebgoodtoot]

Ralph Sampson was more heralded than Wemby.

[@LoydKline-uw4no]

❤ Ralph Sampson

[@gts8361]

Oden is easily the biggest because we never got to see his peak. We saw Sampson. Both amazing stars robbed by injury.

[@survivingwatson]

yo i know he just retired n you do older careers normally but he definitely got forgotten while he was active so i think it fits your channel concept still. i need you to do a Lou Williams video cuz Sweet Lou got as good an argument as ANYBODY for the best 6 man of all time n he mine. he forgotten sorta but damn near legendary in philly to anyone once you remind them about em. ppl dont name him immediately but if you do first , everyone gon say how much they love dude. he was my favorite sixer in 2010 and then was why the hawks beat the sixers in 2021. mad underrated

[@lashgoshotwheels1127]

Thank you 😊

[@brooksfleming7643]

Saw the man play 7 quarters straight once.

[@s3bast1aannn]

Can you cover Lenny Wilkens?

[@billyjohnson1977]

The thing about Samson is he was probably the first 7 foot plus player to play facing the basket. Back then they were all back to the basket post players. First of his kind.

[@Lola23339]

I was very young when Sampson played but I remember people saying that he was never the same after the big fall he took against the Celtics. Sampson's wingspan must be monstrous. I wish the NBA recorded physical stats, aside from just height and weight, like it does now.

[@eduardopaz1583]

1983-1987 ish Sampson was a beast. There were some flaws to his game but the upside was great. Then injuires came, and by the playoffs in 1987, the series agains the sonics, you could see injuries were slowing him down and Tom Chambers torched the rockets. From there it was inconsistent at best. Sad way to go. Still one of my favs for sure.

[@redorange]

That era in the NCAA was a dream for bigs with Sampson, Bowie, Olajuwon, Ewing all playing between 80-84.

[@billblaski9523]

Lol its crazy just how many "what-if" players there are. Ralph Samson is definitely one, i forgot all about him!

[@johnlouiesantiago]

Can you do sidney moncrief

[@FreeFire88s]

Didn't know he could have went to the Lakers. Sampson, Jabbar and Magic would have been insane

[@christophertifre2018]

First 4 years 🔥 but super decline unfortunately. His college accomplishments is what got him to HOF

[@billblaski9523]

First 3 years, his 4th year is when the injuries started...😢

[@funkypeach8082]

Sensational

[@nvm9040]

So far wemby has balled out and proved that can be a all time great But Ralph Samson was that guy especially the second half of the Twin Towers with Hakeem where Ralph had the skills to pair with his height

[@MarquisdeSuave]

Bill Simmons wrote about the "what if" of Sampson leaving Virginia in 82 and being drafted #1 overall by the Lakers. Have you ever watched Sampson during the 85 All-Star game? That was his big coming out party in the NBA as he absolutely dominated the game and won the MVP. The reason why I'm mentioning that game is because Sampson happened to be playing with both Kareem and Magic on the same team. Magic kept feeding him alley-oops all day because the opposing center (Moses Malone) had to guard Kareem. Now imagine Sampson in a Lakers uniform? He doesn't have to pull the insane amount of minutes on the floor as he did in Houston. He'd rarely see double teams, as despite the fact that Kareem would have been 36 in 82, he was still one of the best centers at the time. Add that with a 6-9 Magic running the show as well as Pat Riley as his 1st NBA coach and you can see where I'm going with this. That would have been the first true SUPERSTAR team in the NBA and I can see how Sampson would have not only have dominated, but probably would have had a longer career as he would be asked to do a lot less for the Showtime Lakers than he did for the Rockets, which would have preserved his back and legs longer than the 3 or 4 seasons we actually got from him.

[@Gl6619]

As a Lakers fan…I’m glad that coin flip turn to James Worthy…he turned out to have a bigger impact than Sampson would have had

[@moneyman4740]

They wasnt even the same draft , they both went #1 im confused as to how they have anything to do with the other

[@ssmagicmark849]

Ralph could have declared for the 82 draft after his junior season, but decided not to. Also interesting to consider that the Lakers could have picked Dominique at #1 instead.

[@alfredmcglothen6050]

Would’ve loved to see a healthy Ralph Sampson play with Run TMC . If he was healthy, that would’ve been the piece that team was missing, a big man that could score and block shots . He would’ve had freedom to play his game in Nelly’s system that he wouldn’t had anywhere else .

[@DavianSolis-s3i]

I might get his puma x tmc basketball shoe

[@4392amtrak]

Big Z next

[@Gl6619]

Nobody was hardly filming high school players in the late 70’s, back when Sampson was in HS…just that alone told you he was something special if someone went through all the trouble to film him back in the day when camera equipment was bulky…not like today when you just take out your smartphone and shoot

[@chrisschaeffer9661]

After that fight with 6'1" Jerry Sichting, I considered him kind of Cowardly. Never respected him after that shit.

[@lucashenderson2775]

The what if of him going to the Lakers in 1982 is fascinating to me and one of the more underrated ones.

[@djp2k2]

I think I think another underrated Center that doesn't get a lot of shine is Eric Dampier. Arguably one of (if not) the best prolific offensive rebounders in NBA history.

[@jamespohl-md2eq]

There isn’t any argument for being one of the best, let alone the best. He is 48th all time. Not including all the power forwards on the list, the centers w more are: Moses, Artis, Chief, Shaq, Dwight, Hakeem, Mutumbo, Issel, Drummond, Chandler, Kg, Jordan, Admiral, Kareem, Jones, Vlade, Daniels, Laimbeer, Ewing, and Polynice.

[@atlnla4112]

Ralph Sampson was the 2nd biggest ‘what if’. Len Bias was the biggest. If those two guys would have stayed healthy (and alive) Jordan would have been an afterthought. Sampson and Hakeem had already gone to the finals with a team that needed better shooters and guard play.

[@aborigine777]

What if " Bernard King" would have stayed healthy during his NBA career? He was just as good as Jordan.

[@bojanjovicic1723]

make one about Kenyon Martin

[@ammarnapata2193]

Dude looks like wemby

[@Docfly62]

You mean Wemby looks like him

[@josephmiller9424]

That kid on the spurs first time I saw him I thought Ralph maybe his dad until I saw his name he could be what Ralph would be into today's game but Ralph was better at the same age he played against future superstars McHale, Jordan , Perkins basically the whole NC team and other college which had 4 yr players unheard of today

[@chrisshergie1030]

i had no idea ralph was on the 89 warriors with mitch and mullin

[@Ira.J712]

(the first Victor!) That's now in the NBA..

[@moneyman4740]

Not the 1st victor

[@Ira.J712]

@@moneyman4740 you don't think? Who would you say remind you of Victor

[@JimBrownski]

Al Horton's dad Tito at 26:44

[@marcusleary8571]

I’m hoping for fat lever antonio msdyess Carlos boozer Deron Williams or Antwan Jamison next

[@marvinwhittaker]

Do Manute Bol.

[@lordgodspeed1539]

HIs biggest mistake was staying in college for so long . He outsmarted himself, he should have went into the 1981 or 82 draft . He wasted his athleticism in college 😮‍💨. All in all at the height of his powers he is my favorite 7 footer of all times 🏀

[@moneyman4740]

He came out at 22-23 he didnt know he would reach his athletic peak in college , that doesnt happen until mid to late 20’s , realistically his best athletic days should have still been ahead of him

[@vittiriowashington5211]

The first My2k player

[@willwon8962]

do jeff lamp

[@jamesbond007colt45]

H Town Twin Tower Forever ❤ Baby

[@tw.o.g]

Wemby yama

[@MrSTAYUP33]

neutron proxy vs neutron watt would have been a better comp.

[@lilzae4848]

Sampson so underrated who u think was Dream Mentor

[@benyah3390]

It wasn't Ralph Sampson. It was Moses Malone.

[@Opticprizm]

Nah genius Sam "i am" Bowie-knife gotta be the biggest what if in NBA history i mean isnt the logo a silhouette of him driving to the hole son!

[@ACFord]

We gotta stop lying. Sampson WAS NOT 7'4". He was maybe 7'2".

[@Mr_Mack88]

Yeah and they’re also lying about Hakeem’s height cause he wasn’t 7’0” tall, he even said in interview that he was closer to 6’10”. I think he would know how tall he is and the NBA just be lying about players height, especially when they are playing with another tall player who is 7’0” or taller. They try and market it as a seven foot duo when one of them isn’t even seven foot, just almost seven feet tall.

[@moneyman4740]

@@Mr_Mack88i use to think Hakeem was shorter but look at him and Giannis over the summer , same height and Giannis is a legit 6’11

[@elohim77]

I loved watching the twin towers as a kid but sampson IS more like 7'1/2 and hakeem is like 6'10.

[@nozoto]

Nah man, the biggest what if remains Len Bias, imho. But Sampson would have left his palm print for sure in the Bird VS Magic era, if he managed to stay healthy. Let's hope for the Spurs that Wembanyama doesn't have knees as bad... Like, the french unicorn is currently their most valuable chip to get away from the suck zone...

[@howardpool1162]

Let's not forget hank gathers

[@josephmiller9424]

He was the kevin Durant of his time , if he had gone to Lakers he would top 3 greatest of all time he could go between his legs dribbling if he played in today's game superstar he was to thin for then he would be a PF but he could run shoot and on college every year they might loose 1 to NC which would go 4 corners to shot clock but think off his cavs team in college who else went pro , he stayed 4 years , if he had went to a college with more talent say NC or team up the Patrick at G.T maybe 4 titles , but go back watch he was 7/4 Kevin Durant

[@richardyoon4209]

There is like zero similarities between KD and Ralph other than them being 7ft'ers. KD is an outside and 3 point shooter, Ralph was not.

[@FuShengAlex]

​@@richardyoon4209Wemby or KG is a better comparison

[@rolexmarcelo3218]

More like the tallest what if in NBA history.

[@k.romance4545]

Do one on Metta World Peace aka Ron Artest

[@yaphetyokley9843]

My mentor and family . Stxx 50

[@master-kq3nw]

He was so fast player injuries non stop finished his career earlier he could play to end 90s houston could won more titles

[@lorenzohaynes3886]

Sampson's knees didn't fail him. The NBA failed him. How he got injured that first time. There was a puddle of water on the court. That dude slipped on that puddle of water and jacked his leg up. The Rocets sportscasters said for years after that thet they told people to clean that spot, and they wouldn't. It's the entire reason you have balloons cleaning wet spots on the court today. Ab7 foot 4 inch man getting a knee injury is asking for trouble. But before that injury, he was unbelievable. There were a lot of things that happened back then that caused the NBA to change things. Same with the medical world. If not for athletes wrecking ACL's and busting legs. Sports medicine and medical advancements wouldn't have happened like they have. But that Sampson thing should have been avoided.

[@jmckdekalb316]

This was before Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ralph Sampson the top player during that time

[@elohim77]

He wasnt 7'4, he is more like 7'1

[@WilliamMarohn]

What if what? The guy played for like 13 seasons.

[@richardyoon4209]

You must have missed the part where Sampson suffered a serious career debilitating knee injury in 1987

[@lilpenny1982]

If Ralph stayed healthy, Hakeem would've won more than 2 chips

[@localone1597]

Ralph and Sam Bowie were similar. Both had great skills.

[@johnr.7906]

With today's modern medical surgeries & rehabilitation methods Ralph could of bounced back even better, but it just wasn't meant to be. Still an incredible player!!

[@philb.1502]

Sampson had a few good years when he got into the NBA, but he was too finesse! He was thin and didn't like contact. He was comfortable shooting mid range jumpers.Needed to lift weights but never did.

[@randallmadison9910]

Omg. 8 of 10 in loss in the Elite Eight as a senior. Only 10 shots? Are you serious? Good thing Virginia was an academic school. The coach would have to go. C'mon.

[@daddycool3angels]

the original ALIEN Wemby before Wemby too bad we were robbed because of injury

[@FrederickSorrell]

I grew up with the twin towers Ralph Sampson didn't have knee problems Michael Jordan wouldn't have no rings and the Detroit Pistons wouldn't have no rings either. The Rockets would have 4 rings at least. Ralph Sampson was that good.

[@testostyrone33]

When a player is OBVIOUSLY battling injuries... how is it that they get labeled as "soft" or lacking killer instinct? Is nothing more than a lazy misleading narrative.

[@PoliticusRex632]

Biggest what if is Len Bias.

[@bookaufman9643]

I grew up in Houston and I definitely remember when Ralph Sampson was drafted out of Virginia. He was a pretty good player and had potential to become a really good player but he was not even a tenth of the athlete that Hakeem Olajuwon was. I'm not trying to put him down because the two towers was a pretty amazing run for Houston but once they figured out that they had to make olajuwon the key to their team they started to take off. Ralph was like Sam Bowie and so many other tall skinny guys. He was always hurt and his career was cut short. Victor is a much better athlete and moves in a way that Ralph Sampson never moved.

[@Youralwayswhining4367]

That's a terrible take, you must not have watched him then.

[@FuShengAlex]

​@@Youralwayswhining4367I agree Sampson was a fantastic athlete at his size!

[@FuShengAlex]

Ralph was an explosive athlete. Look at his dunk over Worthy at UNC. He had pogo sticks for legs and ran the court as fast as many guards. He just wasn't as physically strong as Hakeem was.

[@kennethlawrence3020]

Yes the Original Wemby better rebounder

[@moneyman4740]

Wemby is better at a number of other things such as defense on the perimeter and rim protection , also a better shooter and ballhandler and Wemby is a hell of a rebounder as well

[@waratahfilm2350]

Arvydas Sabonis in his prime was better and he could return from his injury

[@KidBakz]

But if it weren’t for him they wouldn’t have Clyde and for that championship, so thanks Ralph

[@finishfirst4580]

Knocked dat whyTe bOi

[@RoofDoctorsJoanne]

The sad news was....Sampson was drastically overated in College....i'm not hating on Ralph....i loved the ACC in College Hoops back then, but his height & athleticism & skills overshadowed his actual game. His production wasn't really ever that great. * He never really improved much in 4 years of College....seriously....I know they gave him Player of the Year like 3 times in a row....but Ralph never improved in College. Look at his stats

[@RoofDoctorsJoanne]

Sampson was a talent ...no doubt...his NBA career was cut a little short. Dude played 4 seasons in College & never completely turned it in pros...because he wasn't great.....he had 4 or 5 healthy seasons in the NBA...he wasn't awesome....very good yeah. Ralph was Ralph.

[@lorenzoyoung698]

I don't see how he got POTY 3 times in a row, he had subpar stats to be the biggest player on the court

[@wizard1687]

No shot clock yet.